What: English Premier League
Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa
When: Monday 21st November, 2011, at 20.00 UK Time
Where: White Hart Lane, London, England
Pushing for the Top Four
Harry Redknapp could return to the dugout for this clash against Aston Villa following a minor operation to unblock an artery. Coaches Joe Jordan and Kevin Bond have been running team affairs in his absence and the trusted duo have done an excellent job.
Spurs are in good form having won four of their last five league matches, an impressive run including three London derbies, and the side very much have the top four in their sights.
Club captain Ledley King should be fit to play against the Villans following the international break and has warned his team-mates of the threat Villa’s attacking trio of Darren Bent, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Emile Heskey will pose.
"Darren did well while he was here and he’s a proven goalscorer and he has scored goals at every club he’s been at”, pointed out King.
“I’ve played against Emile many times over the years. He’s a handful, he always has been. He’s a great foil for somebody like Bent. Agbonlahor has been playing very well too this season. They’re a dangerous side, a good counter-attacking side and we are going to have to be at our best to get something from the game."
Spurs have reason to feel confident however, especially with a run of five games unbeaten against Aston Villa, a spell that includes three wins.
McLeish Returns to Scene of Worst Day
Aston Villa are sweating on the fitness of in-form striker Gabriel Agbonlahor for the trip to White Hart Lane, but the extra days provided by a Monday fixture could give the speedy striker time to recover from the hamstring problem which forced him to withdraw from the England squad during the recent international break.
Scotland international Barry Bannan may also come back after he was suspended following a drink-drive charge.
Boss Alex McLeish meanwhile returns to Spurs’ home six months being relegated at the ground as Birmingham City manager. The Scot will be hoping for a more positive experience on this occasion. “I’ve got good memories at White Hart Lane as well”, insisted McLeish, “my first game as Birmingham manager was a 3-2 win there – but that day in May ranks as one of the worst of my career. Now I’m at Villa and we will look to get a positive result at White Hart Lane."
Villa will be bidding to make it three games unbeaten, coming off the back of a draw at Sunderland and victory over Norwich.
Recent form
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Queens Park Rangers (30/10; Premier League)
Rubin Kazan 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur (03/11; Europa League)
Fulham 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur (06/11; Premier League)
Aston Villa:
Aston Villa 1-2 West Bromwich Albion (22/10; Premier League)
Sunderland 2-2 Aston Villa (29/10; Premier League)
Aston Villa 3-2 Norwich City (05/11; Premier League)
Key absences
Tottenham Hotspur: Tom Huddleston; Michael Dawson; Rafael van der Vaart (doubt)
Aston Villa: Jermaine Jenas (loan agreement); Gabriel Agbonlahor (doubt)
Players to watch
Tottenham Hotspur – Kyle Walker: The former Sheffield United player has added a new dimension to Spurs’ attacking play this season with his surging runs, both with and without the ball. The attacking full back enjoyed a successful international break, earning his England first cap as a substitute against Spain and then putting in a man of the match display in his first start, just days later, against Sweden. Walker returns to club duty against the team at which he had a successful loan spell last season.
Aston Villa – Darren Bent: The England international’s partnership with team-mate Gabriel Agbonlahor is developing into a fearsome combination with Agbonlahor supplying the ammunition for the club-record signing’s predatory instincts. Bent, returning to his former side, will be hoping that his team-mate can shake off the hamstring injury which forced him out of England’s recent matches against Spain and Sweden.
Match Predicition
These two sides usually create a good spectacle when they meet and this match should not be any different. The likes of Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Charles N’Zogbia have the pace and ability to run defenders ragged and there should be goals.
McLeish’s Villa are still evolving while Spurs are a team that can comfortably compete for a top four berth. Expect the hosts to take all three points in an entertaining encounter.
Who will come out on top in this Premier League clash between Spurs and Aston Villa? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
